CFN.com thinks we will win against UNC

[twillybull]

Sorry if anyone already posted this...

South Florida (4-2) at North Carolina (1-4) 12:00 PM EST ESPNU Saturday Oct. 14

Why to Watch:  After a visit to take on conference foe Miami, the Tar Heels get a visit from South Florida, the second Big East opponent to travel to Kenan Stadium with Rutgers winning the first battle in the season opener.  North Carolina's season is quickly slipping into the abyss  getting outscored 99 to 14 over the last two weeks and failing to beat a D-I team so far. Any hope for a bowl season has to start by beating  a USF team coming off a victory over Connecticut 38-16 to keep Big East hopes alive. With a winnable game against Cincinnati next week, USF can set itself up nicely for bowl eligibility with a win.

Why South Florida Might Win: The USF defense is as stingy as any unit in the country having not given up more than 22 points in any game this season and rely heavily on their talented trio at linebacker – Stephen Nicholas, Ben Moffitt and Patrick St. Louis.  Although the defense continues to play well, it’s the play of QB Matt Grothe that's finally given their offense a true offensive threat averaging 275 yards per game. North Carolina doesn't have an answer on offense if the Bulls start getting on a roll.

Why North Carolina Might Win:  Tar Heel fans know Rutgers RB Ray Rice intimately, and so does the Bull defense.  Against USF, Rice cranked out 202 yards on the ground showing that there is hope to get the ground game going. UNC RBs Ronnie McGill and Barrington Edwards have the potential to carry the load and come up with a good game if the offensive line does its part. Coming up with a power game will be a must.

Who to Watch:  USF CB Trae Williams is fourth in the nation with five picks and is on his way to All-Big East honors and possibly  more.  He has an opportunity to add to that total against UNC QB Cam Sexton, who has thrown six interceptions in the last four games. The redshirt freshman suffered a mild concussion against the Canes last week, but he's expected to play. For the Tar Heels to have a chance, he has to be far more effective after completing just 16 of 50 passes over the last two week.

What Will Happen:  The Bulls don’t ever win pretty, but they do win with a physically aggressive defense and an opportunistic offensive unit.  The Bulls won’t score much, nor will they need to.  The defense will hold the Tar Heels to less than 125 yards rushing and Grothe will pick apart the Heels secondary to help lead them to win number five.

CFN Prediction: South Florida 23 … North Carolina 14 ... Line: South Florida -2.5

Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 The Class) ... 2

[outrunner]

The defense will hold the Tar Heels to less than 125 yards rushing...

I would say less.

[GetAHobby]

They might get 125 total offense...They are not rushing for over 100 on us.

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

Our running D has been pretty weak all year. What makes you think they will stop the run this weekend?

UCF ran for 140

KU ran for 118

RU ran for 226

Hell, if you take away sacks, Mcneese went for 100 on us. I don't know why you guys think this will be an easy win. UNC is awful but we have been known to play down to competition.

[mattegunz]

I watched a few of UNCs games this year, and their rb McGill is a lot like Ray Rice.  If we can stop the run, I like our chances pretty good.  If they get the running game going then we could be in for a long day.  It will be a battle no matter what. This game is the season for UNC, and at home they will give us their best shot.  Should be a close game and fun to watch.

[Joe]

Is Daily starting?

[BullBlood]

Neither CFN or Athlon made any mention of our suspended players returning for this game.  Maybe they don't think there's going to be a big difference....or maybe they don't even realize we had 3 guys out all year.  Either way, I think the 3 guys back for this week wil be the difference.  

We can hold their running game in check especially if with jjulmiste back.  Would like to see a healthier cray and would love to see clebert out there sat.

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

Both JAcky and Josh started this morning with a healthy BK breakfast, when do they fly out?

[twillybull]

This one may be a tough game... UNC is 0-4 against 1A teams.  Look at those teams: Rutgers, Va Tech, Clemson and Miami.  I'm not so sure the Bulls would pull off a win against any of those teams this season.  They will be tough at home and this may be a close game.

If the USF running game stays on track from last week (and with the return of Ponton I expect nothing less) this should turn out to be a great game for the Bulls.  Grothe is too tough not to return for this one, but will the injury slow him down?  Maybe, but if the rushing game shows up, he might not need to be at full speed.  

The defense should see a big boost at line with Josh J returning.  If the D-line can bottle up the run and get some pressure on the QB, the UNC passing attack shouldn't pose too many problems.  They had some brief moments of brilliance against Miami, but every time they were pressured the result was a sack or interception.    

The biggest concern I have for this game is: PUNTING.  The turdheels (oh god what did I just step in?) came pretty close to blocking a couple of punts against Miami last week.  Hopefully, the punting game will continue to improve, or there might be some trouble for us there.  

[smazza]

should be easy win for usf